Cancun, Mexico
Almost three short years ago, less than 24 hours after we said our vows, Tom and I landed in Cancun, Mexico for a weeklong honeymoon.
Our time there was, blissful, in a word... and today I thought I'd give you all a peek down memory lane.
Tom and I didn't live together before getting married, so spending a week waking up to each other, getting ready together, and *ahem* other things... felt beautifully earned. We drank and ate all the things. We took a ton of photos. We watched the sun set and rise over the ocean. We read. Talked. Laughed a ton. And shamelessly people watched. It's a week I would never trade for anything... and to think... we almost skimped and decided to go a really lame route! (I talked Tom into the Cancun route and he still thanks me). We loved our resort and the overall ease of the trip and hope to take a vacation like it again sometime soon! .....after we renovate our kitchen....
Things to note about this trip:
- We drank about 100 chunky money's collectively.
- I contracted a horrible canker sore (we think?) on the back of my throat and we took pictures of it growing all week... and it promptly disappeared upon arriving home. It was terribly painful and made eating very difficult. To the point that Tom started soaking my tortilla chips in salsa before handing them over to me to eat. Hahahaha... we laughed about this a lot.
- I found out that I love papaya.
- Tom got burned to a crisp on the first day, so we had to find areas where we could sit side by side - him in the shade, me in the sun :)
- One of the bartenders created a coffee with some sort of peanut butter creamer and we have been trying to duplicate it ever since. Best. EVER.
- We love all inclusive resorts now.
- Eating breakfast while overlooking the ocean is my favorite.
- Rooftop views of the ocean are something of dreams.
- As we were descending into Cancun, Tom's passport went missing. The woman next to us was so kind to try and help us search through all our bags. I was fully prepared to leave him behind. ... but thankfully, I found it between the seat and airplane wall. You can guess who got passport duty after that!
- By the pool, they had a buffet for in between lunch and dinner. Again, the things of dreams, people.
- Room service and eating in a king sized bed.
- Drinking alcohol at anytime of day.
- Watching the awesome Greek family and their shenanigans. They joined in with the dancing entertainment and it was wonderful.
- The nicest employees. So soooo nice.
Where we stayed: GR Caribe Deluxe. It was tastefully decorated in a Moroccan theme. The nice thing was that you also had access to its 'sister resort' next door and could eat there as well. But their guests couldn't use ours :) We truly had such an incredible time and really got to know the staff and waiters who went above and beyond.
It's so fun to look back and reminisce about this trip. Where did you/would you honeymoon?
6 Ways To Pack Light
It's time for me to confess...
I used to be a chronic over-packer.
When I would leave for a four day trip I was guilty of packing more shoes than actual days, several bulky sweatshirts, wayyyyy too many pants, and jewelry (which I hardly ever wear in the first place).
Every now and then, I still find myself getting a little gluttonous while packing, but I have definitely figured out some good tricks to help me simplify. So let's just dive in.
1. Start with choosing one outfit per day.
This is easy enough. Think about each day you'll be gone and what you'll be doing that day that may require a certain kind of outfit. Is your destination a little chilly, and you'll be outside for the majority of the day? Pack a layer outfit. Will you be going out later that night for dinner? How can you add or change one piece to that same outfit to make it work for later too? Add a cute hat or statement necklace, trade out the pants for a skirt, switch your shoes for a dressier pair, etc...
Once you do that for each day, you can get an overview of how many shoes, hats, or accessories, you're hoping to bring at this point.
2. How can you consolidate?
Now it's time to look over all the ideals you have in front of you and break it down. Do you have a different pair of pajamas for every night? Plan to wear a pair for at least two nights in a row to save room. For shoes, make it easy: one pair that's comfortable, cute and goes with a lot (like some staple boots), a pair that's a little dressier and goes with a lot, but doesn't take up too much room (wedges, heels), and possibly one more pair that's ultra comfy for travel or heading out the door for a little adventure (sneakers, tennis shoes, moccasins <--always my choice haha).
With clothes, bring one comfy hoody that you can wear several times over. Bring tops and cardigans/sweaters that easily mix and match and can be dressed up or dressed down easily. Can you wear some pants or skirts a couple times? Dresses with or without tights are always easy to pack because they take up little space and can always be upgraded to fit a venue or occasion. Scarves are basically like packing air, let's be real. Can you wear bulky layers on the plane that can be used later in the week too? Don't forget to have an easy travel outfit for inbound and outbound!
3. Hygiene products and accessories. Ugh.
This is ALWAYS my weak spot. Here's what I've learned, though. I used to pack a bazillion different pieces of jewelry.... but I hardly wear anything other than earrings. Ever. So I stopped packing bulky bracelets and necklaces unless I was absolutely planning on wearing them on the trip (like for a wedding, night out, etc..). Moral of the story, don't bring things you never even wear when you're at home, because you probably won't pull them out on a trip either!
As for bulkier items... will you be able to borrow a hair dryer where you're going? Do you need every different tool for doing your hair, or can you just choose one that can do a lot of styles? Do you need the full-sized bottle of everything, or will a travel sized work (hairspray, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, contact solution, etc..)? If you can manage with the smaller versions, you can even throw them in your purse while you're out and about! I even leave my electric toothbrush at home because 1) I'd hate to lose it 2) it's far more bulky than a travel one. For make-up, I used to bring everything I owned "just in case I wanted to mix it up"... but I never mixed it up and did my make-up the exact same as usual. HAHA. So keep it simple. I keep my bobby-pins in a little jewelry baggie, and I wrap a couple extra hair ties around a hair brush handle. Separate your items that get wet (shower items) from items that don't (hair brushes and jewelry). Then you're looking at only two plastic bags and a small make-up bag. So easy.
4. Bags.
This is one I should have thought up sooner. I try to bring suitcases large enough that once all my clothes, accessories, and shoes are packed, there's extra room for a small purse (like a crossbody) to fit in it. Then, I wear a small backpack with my computer (if needed), headphones, a book, extra set of clothes, wallet, passport, phone charger, and other little basics to bring with me on the plane. I prefer this because it saves me from dealing with a typical carry-on sized bag PLUS a fussy purse PLUS a checked bag. By all means, if you can pack yourself into a carry-on, do it!! But strangely, I've found that by checking a larger bag (free on Southwest) that isn't full and keeping a purse in it, using a backpack for traveling makes life so much easier. Plus, backpacks are really cute nowadays. Then, when you've reached your destination, you can grab your small purse out of your bag and go about your day. I used to always bring GIANT purses on trips to try and squeeze as much stuff onto a plane as I could manage, but I hated having to lug it around once I landed. And if you do need a bigger "purse" once you reach your destination, you'll have a cute backpack instead of a heavy purse to carry around.
5. The only items you should over-pack.
Underwear and socks. It's just a matter of "better safe than sorry." If you get stranded due to weather or something of the like, even if you have to wear your clothes a bunch of times over you'll at the LEAST have some clean skivvies. I think I pack about two weeks worth of undies and socks every time I travel and I always use more socks than I think I will. There have been far too many trips that I wished I had more clean socks. If I'm in a cold hotel room, it just feels better to put on some clean socks before bed instead of the icky, sweaty ones you wore all day. It's a small luxury - haha.
6. If you forgot something, it's not the end of the world.
Chances are, if worse comes to worse, you can buy a pair of pajamas if you forgot yours (or borrow your husband's t-shirt). Or some deodorant. Or some face lotion. You will in fact survive if you forgot something, I promise. Just don't forget extra contacts and your glasses... because that could potentially suck.
Even though my husband might disagree, my packing has become quite efficient, these days. If we're visiting family for a week or more, I try to sneak in a load of laundry to keep my suitcase fresh and "recycled." I hope you guys found this helpful. Do you have any tricks of the trade? Share them in the comments, because this girl loves some good old fashioned efficiency.
San Antonio, TX
When my husband learned that he had to travel to San Antonio for business, there was no question that I'd be tagging along. I mean, it's basically like a buy-one-get-one trip, and at some point I won't have the freedom or flexibility to join him, so we're taking advantage now.
We were in town from a Saturday afternoon till a Tuesday evening. Monday was all business related, so while Tom was at his respective meetings, I hung out in the hotel eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, drinking beer, and working.
Saturday
Our first night was chilly, and we were starving after our flight. We were recommended a Mexican restaurant that happened to be right across the interstate from our hotel, so we actually walked to it. It was called Alamo Cafe and we gorged ourselves on queso and freshly made, soft tortillas. I had a burrito and Tom went for a chalupa. Though it was tasty, we honestly didn't find much difference between the flavors there, and Mexican food we've had elsewhere in the country (no offense, my Texan friends!). Nevertheless, you simply must eat Tex-Mex when in Rome (or San Antonio in this case). We took an Uber back to the hotel and watched a movie until we fell into our food coma.
Sunday
This was straight up the most fun day. EVER.
- We got a day pass for San Antonio's B-cyles. These babies were awesome because you could grab a bike at any parking ramp, ride it for up to 30 minutes, check it in at another bike ramp, take it back out, go for another 30 minutes, then ditch it at another bike ramp, walk somewhere, then find another ramp and grab another bike! Even cooler, there are a bunch of cities that have these bike systems. Here's a map of the cities. It was cheap, and we got such an up close view of soooo many parts of the city. We took them through the downtown metro area and all the way down the Riverwalk. Not to mention, the dorky baskets on the front were super handy for my purse or anything we picked up along the way. I highly suggest them!
- We had a late lunch at the Farmer's Market at Pearl, which is a newer area of San Antonio with a more hipster vibe and modern buildings that still encompass the old architecture of Texas. The vendors there were top notch, and we ended up getting this GIANT piece of bread pudding that we had to carry around with us the rest of the day - haha!
- From there, we biked over to the nearby San Antonio Art Museum. We thought that admission was free on Sundays, but it was actually just from 10am-2pm, and we missed the window by about an hour. However, after finding out that we were from out of town, the sweet gentleman behind the counter gave us free admission. We both agreed that this was one of the better art museums we've been to. It topped the Atlanta High Museum as well as Milwaukee's. They had such a cool array of pieces from around the world and different time periods - including mummy cases! It's definitely worth it to take a look.
- Next, we biked throughout the metro area and the little squares in the middle of the city. We jumped on and off the Riverwalk, but we did get in trouble for biking on a portion of the Riverwalk that we were supposed to walk our bikes - oops! We stopped by Tower of the Americas for a potty break and got dizzy staring up at it :)
- Near the restaurant saturated portion of the Riverwalk, we got a little hangry. But after looking at the prices of the restaurants, (Side note: If you are anywhere, and find yourself near a Rainforest Cafe and a Hard Rock Cafe, you should probably just leave because you're clearly in a tourist trap) we decided to take an Uber halfway back to the hotel to a restaurant called Los Barrios. Here I made the mistake of thinking I actually like margaritas (or anything besides beer and wine) and tried to choke down this giant, tequila filled thing. Haha! The food was 'okay' and like we felt at the Alamo Cafe, the employees seemed to want to rush us. This was kind of annoying because we didn't have a vehicle to rush back to!
- We grabbed an Uber to a grocery store, then headed back to the hotel to hit the hay.
(pardon the quality of this video... it's hard to video and drive these front-heavy bikes - haha!)
Monday
Just your average work day in a hotel room. The day didn't exactly end very well, but I'd say the day before made up for that fact. (Told you I don't sugar coat here!)
Tuesday
- We woke up exhaustedddd. Slowly got ourselves to a vertical position, and went to work at a cute coffee shop called Olmos Perk, which was relatively near the airport. Behind the coffee shop, we grabbed a quick sandwich at All Aboard Deli - which was located in an old train car (and very yummy). It had friendly cats that kept us company, too. Not that I like cats, but it was cute.
- #airportlife
Overall, San Antonio was a TON of fun. We agreed that Sunday might have been one of the best days we've had over the course of our five years together. That has to say something, huh? Tom and I love to explore and make an adventure out of anything, and San Antonio just highlighted our adventurous nature so well! The bikes were seriously a huge factor in the day being so fun. I'm super jealous that Atlanta doesn't have them... although, Atlanta drivers would most definitely plow bikers over soooo there's that.
Visit San Antonio, friends, because there's more Tex-Mex than you can handle, lots of sunshine, and an overload of friendliness from the locals.
Asheville, NC
If you follow me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc..) you may have come across some photos of a surprise weekend away with my husband. He planned the majority of the trip to celebrate my birthday... and he did a fantastic job.
Both of us tend to appreciate experiences over things. Meaning, a trip like this one, full of memories and adventures, will almost always trump our desire for a tangible 'present.' That is not to say that either of us would receive a present and toss it aside... of course we love and appreciate gifts... but as we've grown up, we realize that we can simply buy what we want or need as we go along in life, whereas memories and experiences can take planning.
This trip was spent about three and a half hours north of us, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We spent the majority of our trip in little to no cell service areas, but also did some adventuring in the lovely town of Asheville, NC. We also have a tendency to find spots off-the-beaten-path and don't particularly spend a lot of time on super touristy locations. You'll see why we do this - adventure, of course!
Let me take you through our trip, and if you ever find yourself in this area, you'll have a few ideas of places or areas to see.
Day 1:
We spent the morning driving up north and slowly watched the land around us gain hills and mountains.
When we arrived in Asheville, we parked right away and I was led to a Beer Garden (and had no idea why!) where we were met by a tour guide and a group of other couples to go on a Food Tour! It was the Eating Asheville Classic Tour, to be exact. This was the perfect way to experience what Asheville had to offer, not only in the culinary aspect (which was amazing), but also in learning about the culture of the town. You'll find an incredibly 'hipster' population there, as well as 'eat local' as a focal point of their culinary scene. None of the buildings (besides one, that was truly an eyesore) were very tall which gave the city a small town feel. It's full of live music, breweries, and interesting history. Of course, the famed Biltmore estate is located nearby, but is sadly a major money pit. We highly recommend the food tour for acquainting yourself with the oh-so-charming Asheville! It seemed to attract an older crowd (we were the youngest couple by about 30 years), but Tom and I are old souls and had a blast talking to the others.
That night we stayed on a camping deck in Black Mountain. I found this listing on Airbnb (here's the listing) and it was about 25 minutes from Asheville because it was literally on a mountain. I cannot say enough good things about this deck and the entire experience we had there. The deck is large enough to fit two or three tents. It's newer (two years old?), partially covered in case of rain, very private, clean, there's electricity... up the stairs is a port-a-john (that is cleaned weekly) and not gross at ALL, and the owners have a box of cleaning materials, water, lighter, and other essentials for guest use. There is even a picnic table and several chairs. Honestly, as someone who isn't into minimal camping, I did not want to leave. The view of the mountains was breathtaking. We had stopped at a Trader Joe's on our way out of Asheville for baguette, wine, cheese, and fruit so that we could have a nice relaxing dinner while we watched the sunset over the mountains (at the urging of the deck owner). There were almost no bugs, but they provided spray. Because of the covered portion on the deck, we were able to leave the top cover off of our tent so we had a screened panoramic view. Plus, the time of year made the weather very comfortable for sleeping, and we had an air mattress with lots of blankets which made it very cozy. Of course, the sunrise was amazing as well. So stunning!
If this is something you'd like to do, or you want to try out an Airbnb listing in general, please use this link for $20 off your first stay... which will give Tom and I a discount on our next one as well. Win-win, right?!
Day 2:
I wasn't sure how Tom could out-do the fun we had the day before, but he managed.
After coffee on the deck, we packed up and headed towards Hot Springs, NC. There, he had reservations at Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a private one and half hour soak in natural hot spring water. After the soak we had a half hour couple's massage. Honestly, who marries such a thoughtful guy?? We had such a relaxing morning there and had great views of the surrounding mountains. The town of Hot Springs was incredibly quaint. The main 'street' was about 3 blocks in length and had only a few options for food, but we found a burger joint and took a long, slow lunch.
At this point, it was about three in the afternoon so we decided to head up to our accommodations to get settled before going to an event later for dinner.
*I should note here, that Thomas didn't want to tell me about these accommodations before we left, but he was being very vague about things like access to bathrooms or showers. Since I had booked the first night with no full bathroom, I had made it clear that the second night needed to have more amenities or I might get turned off from tent camping in the future. I knew I needed to be eased into it. However, I spoke my needs too late and he had already booked the second night. When he showed me the listing for the second night, I definitely freaked out a little, so I am very glad he showed me before we left so that I had time to mentally prepare. Haha! Oh, it was an adventure*
Thomas booked us at a yurt that was farther up in the mountains with absolutely no service, no electricity, an outhouse, and very 'primal.'
The 'driveway' was a jagged rock pathway that my SUV had a hard time getting up. The yurt itself was older and smelled moldly because the canvas was out in the elements year round. There were wasps living in it, but it did have a bed and a Culligan water jug and bowl 'sink' for rinsing hands and such. In the sunshine, it acted like an oven... and let's just say, I don't do well when I'm hot. The outhouse was also a tad moldy and the idea of doing my business and pouring sawdust over it was just too much for me to handle! They did, however, have friendly horses on the land and I was excited to spend time with them. But when we walked over to say hello, one of them was either old, or just starving because it was literally bones!!! About 10 minutes after we got there, we realized we couldn't leave for the event later because it would be very treacherous to make it back up the driveway in the dark... so we were stuck with what leftover food we had and stayed put. I only went running to the car in fear of bugs once, though, while Tom stood outside the car looking at me, feeling terrible. He knew immediately upon arrival that this was not a good place for me, and I looked at him from the car and laughed hysterically. We did debate whether we should leave or not, but I bucked up and said I'd make the best of it. Once the sun set over a nearby ridge, it cooled down, which made things better. Tom gave me props for not complaining (!) but when I made mention to how nasty I felt because of my greasy hair, the sweet man washed it in a holey-bowl we found under the yurt, just to make me a little more comfortable. We did end up enjoying the fire, but once it was dark we realized they only left us one lantern that gave off almost no light! It was dark at 8:40pm, so since we couldn't see, we just went to bed! HAHA! After laying there for about 5 minutes we heard something chewing or scratching at the tent, leaving me terrified. Thomas eventually scared whatever it was away, but he never saw anything.
In accordance with my post on camping a couple weeks ago, make sure you ease yourself into it and don't go too extreme if you aren't ready for it. Honestly though, even though it was a pretty awful stay, we made such fun memories. No regrets here.
Day 3:
Well, we packed up and high-tailed it out of the yurt as quickly as possible (also because I had been holding my pee for ages) and we meandered into another tiny mountain town looking for breakfast. Guys, everything in the regions we were in can only be described as charming-quaint. We ate at an adorable cafe called The Sweet Monkey Bakery in Marshall, NC. They weren't going to open for another half hour, but the owner offered us coffee and menus while we waited and casually chatted with us. Since we were starving like the horse at the yurt, we both ordered huge breakfasts and enjoyed the quiet of the ultra small town and perfect weather.
From there, we drove back into Asheville and got sucked into the Asheville Outlets. They have a West Elm outlet store there and we ended up with a king sized duvet cover, two shams, and a coverlet blanket for less than $100. We're lucky we didn't get MORE!
After grabbing another quick bite, we thought we'd take the Blue Ridge Parkway for one final scenic drive. It ended up being a much longer drive than we anticipated, but it was more than worth it. We stopped at so many overlooks and even hiked (in flip flops) to see some falls. The views were breathtaking and Tom was especially impressed. Having lived and traveled out West, he had no idea that there could be sights even more beautiful in the East. From there, our trip came to a close and I am so grateful for such a fun adventure. Truly, my husband knows his wife and that no amount of clothes could have been better than this. Well, maybe. I would have gladly chosen a shopping spree over the yurt.
And again, if you want to try Airbnb, please use my discount code for $20 off and enjoy :)
Things To Like About Camping --- If You Don't Like Camping
Growing up, my family rarely stayed in hotels on vacations. I'm the youngest of seven children, and the cost of staying in hotels for every vacation would have been a stretch on our single income household. Honestly, without the ability to camp, our vacations would have been few and far in between.
My favorite vacations have always included camping. Saving money on lodging made it possible for my family to go to Disney World, Colorado, The Black Hills, Canada, New York, Michigan, and countless other places. We had a private "home" to escape to at the end of a long day of touring that usually included a pool and a few strange campground friends.
So yes, I was raised on camping and have a natural appreciation for it.
Camping doesn't scare me away, but admittedly, I "had it good" (I've rarely camped without AC). Tom teases me and tells me I never really camped. Tent camping was a rare occurrence in my upbringing, and the times we did usually ended badly (roots in your back, freezing weather, rained the whole time, crowded)... but I'm willing to give it a chance. Last year, we bought a tent and are taking it on its maiden voyage next week in the mountains of North Carolina.
However, I have set up a few requirements for my use of this tent:
1. There must be an air mattress. No sleeping on roots for this gal.
2. A bathroom must be available.
3. We can only camp when it's cool because I don't 'do' sweaty sleeping.
4. No actual sleeping 'under the stars' because bugs. Tent stays zipped at all times.
The thing is, there will be no bathroom at our first site in N.C.
I've started getting a little worried about this aspect... like I'm setting myself up for an immediate hatred of tent camping by breaking one of my own rules.
Then I wondered how many other people have had a bad experience on their first time camping and have since sworn it off.
This post is for those people.
Who think it's dirty.
Who think it's more work.
Who are clean, tidy, and organized on trips to a fault.
Who think camping with kids would be a nightmare.
Who like to be prepared.
Who think you need tons of supplies.
Who just. don't. get. it.
Things to like about camping... if you don't like camping:
1. It (usually) saves money on lodging.
I already covered this in my life story above, but it's a huge part of why camping is great. If you have a tent, your own camper, or rent a basic cabin, camping can usually save you at least $50+ per night.
Basically, you get to control how immersed you get in nature. Tent camping can be a rude awakening for people who need a TV, three fans, and four blankets in order to fall asleep. Maybe start with a cabin and go from there...
2. You'll be forcibly disconnected.
You know those trips where you swear you'll leave your phone tucked away... and then... don't? Being out in the boonies gives you no choice. It's incredibly freeing and everyone should experience that disconnect at LEAST once a year. I promise it's super refreshing. We went on a ten day trip over the summer, and we camped for four days right in the middle. Even when we got service back, my husband refused to look at his phone for a few more days because he felt so relaxed without it. Plus, without the service, your phone is only good for taking pictures!
3. Nature is the focal point, not your accommodations.
Don't get me wrong, I love a trip where the accommodations are a treat in themselves. Camping causes you to relax in the sounds, smells, and views around you. You feel small in comparison to the surrounding beauty. God's creation takes the driver's seat and you could care less whether your hair is clean or not. Mountains, streams, trees, wildlife, flowers...
Take it as a chance to teach your children about the importance of caring for and enjoying the simple pleasures of nature.
4. Camping food.
Need I say more? S'mores, hot dogs, campfire casseroles...
This is one that can stress many people out though (myself included). Really, all it takes is a little planning. Bring a cooler with specific, necessary items. Instead of bringing milk, cereal, and bowls, just bring cereal bars or homemade muffins. You don't have access to running water? Just make sure you bring a few gallons. Have some wet-wipes for cleaning hands and faces (and a garbage bag). Use as few utensils for cooking food as possible, then simply wipe them off before putting them in a designated spot in the trunk of your car. Cook food inside tinfoil thrown onto some embers. Only use paper plates and plastic eating utensils. You might actually find that eating while camping is easier than at home. Again, it just takes a little planning. Your kids will probably love drinking juice boxes for a few days too!
5. It is completely acceptable to be 'grungy.'
This one can also seem like a stress inducer. You smell like a campfire, then sleep in it??
Yes. And it's glorious. Splash a little soap and water on your face now and then, bring some dry shampoo... it's completely doable (coming from a clean FREAK, guys). Camping is the only time I allow myself to sleep in makeup (even though I could easily go wash my face if I wanted to). You'll actually be surprised how clean you can keep yourself. Survival instincts kick in, I swear.
6. Sunsets and sunrises.
When was the last time you watched the sunset or rise? And on the drive to/from work doesn't count. Camping is about the only time you'll wake up ungodly early (by accident), feeling completely refreshed, and you step outside your tent to see the sun rising over the distant mountains. It's breathtaking. You feel like you're the only one in the world who's witnessing that moment. Cozy up on a blanket, drink your coffee (or pop some bubbly), and enjoy.
One of the most memorable sunrises I've seen was in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa, wrapped in a sleeping bag (a tent sleepover on a friend's farm). I mean, it was short lived because we got chased off the field by a crop duster plane... but still.
7. Pet friendly.
Do you know the pains of paying to put your pets in a kennel service while you vacation? Or finding someone to pet sit for you? Bringing your pets camping is not only cheaper, it's actually enjoyable for them. I'm speaking mostly to dog owners here, of course. Plus, having a dog with you can sometimes ward off unwanted wildlife from your site.
We had our black lab with us when we camped in Canada. He slept in my bed, and one night he saw a bear through the screen! I shined a flashlight into the woods and could see its reflective eyes... but my dog's warning growls sent him away. Honestly, I suggest bringing your dogs. I was so thankful to have his protection.
8. You can camp in areas where other lodging is scarce.
Some areas allow you to camp right on the coast of the oceans where hotels can't build because of code. Generally you'll find camping anywhere you'd find a hotel and then some. Jekyll Island is a popular tourist destination where you can spend nearly $200 a night for a hotel... or $30 a night for a campsite!
Cumberland Island (just south of Jekyll) is a protected wildlife area and can only be accessed via ferry. There is a waiting list in order to camp on this island that is home to wild horses! Sea turtles lay their eggs on these untouched beaches and it is rich in history.
9. Saved money goes to better use.
Go to a fancy local restaurant, take the kids to that amusement park, hit the nearest water park, check out the museums, pick up some one-of-a-kind art or souvenirs.
Tom and I are more willing to shell out money on a nicer meal or other vacation expenses when we've saved on lodging. Vice versa - when we spend the money to stay in a great hotel, we usually have cheap meals in our room! Deciding where to spend and where to save helps us enjoy our vacations without coming home and getting a pit in our stomachs over the money we blew.
Camping can be hard to get used to. If I hadn't been raised to camp, many aspects would have probably turned me off because I would have lacked preparation. Bugs and humidity are huge turn offs to me... but remembering bug spray, closing doors, and only camping during cooler months can alleviate those issues.
So for those...
Who think it's dirty. It doesn't have to be.
Who think it's more work. Maybe a little, but not overall.
Who are clean, tidy, and organized on trips to a fault. This is a perfect opportunity to prove that skill.
Who think camping with kids would be a nightmare. Your kids will be too busy getting lost in the woods.
Who like to be prepared. It's no more preparation than any other trip!
Who think you need tons of supplies. You don't.
Who just. don't. get. it. Try it... you'll get it.
Also, don't forget you'll probably have your car. It can charge phones, has AC, and can double as a bed if all else fails.
How to Travel Every Day
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of taking a blogging class that went over the basics of blogging, but also brushed over the importance of branding, advertising, etc...
Anyways, during this class we were asked to group up and quickly create a blog, a mission statement, and a corresponding post. My group had varying interests, but we all agreed that travel was a common one. We knew we needed to create a unique 'niche' for our faux blog, so we somehow came up with the idea of finding ways to travel every.single.day.
I quickly threw together a post with jumbled words and half-thoughts. Afterwards though, I realized that the idea was actually really inspiring. So what does a girl with a lifestlye blog and a (dusty) travel category do? She brings you this inspiring post about traveling without even having to leave your hometown... or even your living room chair.
When you think of traveling, you think of the act. Did you fly somewhere? Roadtrip? Did you visit a well known monument?
The fact is, we don't all travel to somewhere new or exotic every day.
But we do travel every day.
Did you read a novel recently that you traveled into vicariously? Did you grab coffee with a friend? Did you connect with someone on a level of faith or beliefs?
Then dear friend, you did travel. Maybe not in the literal sense of the word, but you can travel every day and feed that wanderlust inside you. In fact, thank you for traveling to my blog today - because you're not in your frame of mind right now - you're in mine (welcome, by the way!). Part of the definition of travel is to make a journey. And a journey can be many things. Some people make a journey of health, of faith, of imagination, or a journey in a conversation.
Maybe I'm reaching for the stars here, but as someone who desperately loves the excitement of traveling to new and distant lands, I am limited by time, money, or connections. So I'm going to continue to challenge myself, personally to find the ways I travel each day. Here are some steps to take - I invite you to join me!
1. Start at home.
Without even getting out of your pajamas, how can you travel? For me, this is a challenge to delve deeper into God's Word. I need to remember that He gives me all that I need, and answers all my prayers in the ways He sees fit. By doing a study with my husband or by myself, I can travel to places (spiritually, mentally, etc..) that are not of this world and bring me closer to Him.
You can also try reading a novel, reading blogs, calling a friend, even taking a break from chores and play one-on-one with your children. Travel to THEIR world!
2. Step out out the front door.
Anything listed above can also be done outside, of course.
Or how about creating a garden space with a tropical theme? A nourishing garden with fresh fruits/veggies? Make your own property an oasis that exudes travel. A porch swing and a glass of sweet tea can take you on a journey in the same way a seat on the beach can... almost, anyway. Get to know your neighbors. Their every day is different than yours, so their perspectives and thoughts can bring you to a 'new place.'
3. Go local.
This is one I frequent. It includes some literal travel, but it doesn't break the bank. Grabbing coffee or lunch with a friend can fill a portion of that wanderlust in you. Plus, meeting up with friends leaves you feeling refreshed in body and soul.
Tom and I love trying unique restaurants and stepping outside our comfort zone a little. By myself, I love the trip to Whole Foods for one or two items, a swing through a cute boutique, or simply turning a typical errand into something extra special. When I go to the store, it's fun to make it seem novel by grabbing something small for my husband or a little treat for myself. Since it's not like that on every trip to the store, it feels like something you'd do on a trip.
4. Plan trips.
Some of the best trips are totally spontaneous, so use the word "plan" loosely. I just mean that you should make it a priority. Whether you drive 2 hours away or fly halfway around the world, be intentional in making literal travel a priority. Even the act of planning a trip can give your wanderlust a sense of fulfillment. Create Pinterest travel boards, look for nearby BnB's, checkout some campgrounds in otherwise expensive destinations, etc...
Take detours. Give yourself time to make stops that weren't necessarily part of the plan.
Bottom line:
Travel can be your state of mind. It is more than possible to travel every day. You know how certain foods, smells, or phrases can evoke memories and take you to another place or time? Meeting up with my best friends brings out that college giddiness again. Baking makes me feel like I'm spending the afternoon with my mom, even when she's 900 miles away. Maybe you don't find these ideas as ways to travel, but for me - and my restless soul - I'm going to challenge myself to see it that way.
I'm going to intentionally travel every day.
What are your thoughts on this idea?
Wisconsin (Summer 2015)
HELLO PEOPLE!
*GIANT SIGH*
We have moved.
Settled in a bit.
Driven 14 hours.
Stood up in a wedding.
Camped with one side.
Stayed with the other side.
Driven another 14 hours.
Grocery shopped for the first time in about a month.
Now I am preparing for guests for a week-long stay. Such a busy month we have had! It has been immensely exciting, stressful, and fun... but I am SO ready to be back to a writing routine. I hope you missed me because I missed all of you lovely people! I have had to consciously avoid my blogging friends or I knew I would find myself immersed in their awesome writing instead of focusing on the craziness at hand. Haha!
All that aside, here is a picture tour of what we did over the last 10+ days in Wisconsin. I was the matron of honor in my friend's beautiful wedding, we camped in the Wisconsin Dells with my 24 person immediate family (not a joke haha), then we spent the final three days with my in-laws buzzing around fun places in the Milwaukee or Madison area. My husband and I have not had a long vacation since our honeymoon and this trip, though packed full of events, was so lovely to spend together. We laughed and laughed and talked.. and laughed some more. Love that man to pieces. He is my best and truest friend. What a blessing he is to me every day *cheesy-rant over*
Enjoy the following shots!
Expect to hear more from me after this week. Thanks for hanging tight during my absence!
If you're looking for some good tunes, listen to the Hozier radio station on Pandora. I haven't turned it off for two days. Sooooo goooood.
I'm getting all random on you guys because I don't know where to start and I want to word vomit everything I've seen or heard or ate in the last three weeks! K, sorry. I'm done. Peace and blessin's.
Naples, FL // Mother's Day
Mother's Day is still a week away, but I couldn't help giving a little run-down of the recent trip I took to Florida to keep my mom company for a few days. She and my dad DROVE to Florida for a three week getaway. However, my dad, still a busy-bee in his retirement, had to take a trip to Kenya for the dedication of a much needed library there. During that week, my sweet mama didn't want to sit on the beach by her lonesome, so since I'm only a short flight away, I went to join her in Naples. We had such a wonderful time together. As I've mentioned before, she and I were a known travel duo in our family. Being the youngest, I got to visit all my older siblings and skip school. Let me tell you, becoming an aunt at age 13 had some serious benefits! My mom and I are both very organized and like to prepare for anything... so we think of everything you might possibly need at the beach and where exactly to pack it. We're freakishly in tune to one another's organizational skills. Haha... guess she trained me to organize the same way as her.
We mostly just laughed the entire trip and people-watched like nobody's business. My mom was worried (of course) about my face and shoulders which burned immediately on day one, so the following day she bought me this ridiculous visor from a CVS and made me wear it. It was so awkward, we decided to make fun of it in pictures and send them to my aunts. Basically, it was just a placemat cut into a half circle and sewn onto some fabric. Here was the result of the weird thing..
Original form (modeled by mom), baby bonnet, loin cloth, bib, and boogie board.
Amazing product, amiright? It was worth the $7 just for the entertainment, I think.
Below is a little photo tour from day one, to the end.
Mom, thanks for falling over in the surf, and continuing to let waves roll you over so I could hold your hand and laugh. I am glad I could try and listen to you angrily worry about dad, and try to keep you calm about it. Nearly peeing our pants over that weird cat almost STILL makes me pee my pants. You driving me around because I was sleepy/grouchy and playing my childhood lullabies to lull me sleep, was about the funniest thing I've witnessed in a long time. And last, but certainly not least, thank you for teaching me how to properly people-watch. I had such a wonderful trip with you, as always. Happy mother's day, mama - love you!
